Orkhon Valley and Eight Lake Horse trekking

Orkhon Valley and Eight Lake Horse trekking

$2700
per person

Duration: 14 days /13 nights (June- September )

Tour Introduction:

Have you ever dreamed of galloping on a Mongolian sturdy steed across the lush green valley under the cobalt blue skies?This epic horse trekking tour will take you to the highlights of Central Mongolia on real Mongolian horses, those that once made Genghis Khan and his soldiers’ world journey a possibility. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Orkhon River Valley, is a cradle for numerous nomadic empires through the centuries and one of the best places in Mongolia for horse riding. During the trek you will ride in various terrain, from hilly steppes to sheeer mountains and past lakes boasting the most spectacular views. You will start your horse trek at Tuvkhun Monastery and make your way to the Orkhon Waterfalls and further into Naiman Lake visiting some of the most important sites in Central Mongolia including the ancient capital Karakorum, Erdene Zuu monastery, and visit nomadic families to witness the renowned Mongolian hospitality and generosity.

Tour highlights:

Spend time in the UNESCO World Heritage listed Orkhon Valley

Visit the beautiful Naiman Nuur (8 lakes) area

Be amazed by the Orkhon Waterfall, the 2nd tallest waterfall in Mongolia

Enjoy 7 full days of horse trekking in the wilderness with yak support

Have an authentic cultural experience with a real nomadic family

Stay in traditional Mongolian gers

Visit the Semi-Gobi Desert at Khugnu Khan

Activity level: Moderate

Tour price in USD per person for 2019 (Feel free to mark-up on your side):

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, private transfer to the hotel

A member of our team will meet you at the airport after you have gone through customs and transfer to your hotel. Today is left free for you to get settled in and rest before your wonderful journey across Mongolia.
Accommodation: Hotel Nine***

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Day 2: City sightseeing. Tour of the City:

Meet your English-speaking local guide at 9.00am in the hotel lobby for your tour of Ulaanbaatar. Today you will explore the main sights of this unique city. Visit the Gandan Monastery, housing a 26 meter high gilded statue of the Buddha, explore the Genghis Khan monument in the main square and the National Museum, which has a number of fascinating displays of traditional Mongolian clothing and weaponry, as well as exhibits charting the course of Genghis Khan's empire-building. We will have our first group lunch in a Mongolian restaurant. Afterwards visit the Bogd Khaan’s Palace Museum – the residence of the last king of Mongolia, the Buddha Park and the Zaisan Memorial located on a picturesque hill south of the city for a panoramic view of the nomadic capital and the Buddha Park. Transfer back to the hotel by 6 pm. Dinner is not included tonight, however we will make suggestions for you
Accommodation: Hotel Nine***, B+L

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Day 3: Ulaanbaatar- Karakorum, the ancient capital

Today we begin our drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the mighty Mongol Empire led by Chinggis Khan. We’ll have lunch on the way in Elsen Tasarkhai. Once we arrive in Karakorum we’ll check in to our beautiful tourist ger camp. Visit the Khaadiin Khoshoo statue where you will have a great view of Orkhon River Valley in the afternoon. Optional visit to local bazaar in the town. Dinner at the ger camp.
Accommodation: Ger camp, B+L+D, 6-7 hour drive

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Day 4: Karakorum- Tuvkhun Monastery

After breakfast we visit the Erdene Zuu monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in central Mongolia, which was constructed on the ruins of the ancient capital city. We’ll also visit the Karakorum Museum and the new Museum of Archeology that is exhibiting amazing artefacts from the Orkhon River Valley. We’ll have lunch at the ger camp before driving to Tuvkhun Monastery in the afternoon. Arrive and set up our tents in a scenic spot. Optional hiking around the area in the evening.
Accommodation: Tent camping, B+L+D, 3-4 hour drive

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Day 5: Tuvkhun Monastery, horse trekking

After breakfast we start our horse trekking journey with a visit to the Tuvkhun Monastery. The Tuvkhun Monastery was built by Zanabazar, the first Bogd Lama of Mongolia, in the 17th century. In the afternoon we ride in the direction of the Orkhon Waterfall. Camp overnight by the Orkhon River bridge. (Support car available)Accommodation: Tent camping, B+L+D, 6-7 hour drive

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Day 6: Orkhon river bridge- Orkhon Waterfall

We continue our ride to the Orkhon Waterfall, one of the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in Mongolia. The rest of the day will have you riding through the historical Orkhon River Valley. Lunch along the way before finally arriving at the waterfall in the afternoon. Explore the area with some optional hiking. Here we’ll set up camp. Enjoy dinner in this beautiful region. (Support car available)
Accommodation: Tent camping, B+L+D, 6-7 hour drive

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Day 7: Orkhon Waterfall - Boorog

After breakfast we ride for another 18 km to Boorog. This is where we start having yak support for the next 4 days. Arrive in the afternoon and stay near our horse breeder’s camp. Enjoy visiting his home to experience the real life of nomads. (Support car available)Accommodation: Tent camping, B+L+D, 5-6 hour drive

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Day 8: Boorog- Khuis Lake, the biggest lake of Eight lakes

We pack everything on yaks today and start trekking to the 8 Lakes. We will ride through the Bodongiin Khamar pass, one of the tallest mountain passes surrounding 8 lakes. Arrive in Khuis Lake in the afternoon, dinner and rest at tent.
Accommodation: Tent camping, B+L+D, 6-7 hour drive

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Day 9: Horse trekking in the Eight lakes.

Today we will ride to see all Eight Lakes including Shireet Lake, Khuis Lake, Khaliut Lake, Bugat Lake, Khaya Lake, Onon Lake, Bayan-uul Lake and Duruu Lake. Arrive at our campsite in the late afternoon, dinner and rest.

The area of Naiman Nuur,” Eight lakes”, formed behind the volcanic eruptions that occurred throughout the centuries. The park is 2400 meters above sea level. An area of 11.500 hectares has been protected as a National Park since 1992. The national park is located in a high mountainous area comprising of alpine meadows and forests of conifers (Siberian pines and Siberian larches). In the North of the protected area, we can see entire valleys strewn with volcanic stones. The peaks of the mountains are arid. There are 50 species of birds, such as the black-throated loon, great cormorant, bar-headed goose, and whooper swan.

Accommodation: Tent camping, B+L+D, 6-7 hour drive

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Day 10: Khuis Lake- Tsagaan Azarga Lake

Today we will ride back to Orkhon valley via Duruu pass, with lunch along the way. Arrive in Tsagaan Azarga lake in the early evening. Dinner at our campsite.
Accommodation: Tent camping, B+L+D, 6-7 hour drive

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Day 11: Tsagaan Azarga lake- Boorog

Today is the last day of our horse trekking. After breakfast we ride off with the horses and will reach Boorog in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy. Dinner and overnight in the tents.
Accommodation: Tent camping, B+L+D, 6-7 hour drive

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Day 12: Orkhon River valley- Elsen Tasarkhai (Bayangobi)

We say goodbye to our horse wranglers and head to Elsen Tasarkhai, located in the Khugnu Khan National Park. We drive 5 hours along the steppes with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos. Arrive and check in to our tourist ger camp. We’ll have lunch at the camp and then visit the Erdene Khamba Monastery ruins, where we will do a short hike on the mountain. Optional camel ride at the dunes.
Accommodation: Tent camping, B+L+D, 4-5 hour drive

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Day 13: Elsen Tasarkhai - Ulaanbaatar

Today we drive back to Ulaanbaatar and check in at the hotel upon arrival. In the afternoon we’ll visit the winter palace of Bogd Khaan from the early 20th century. Optional souvenir shopping is available for those who are interested. Enjoy a traditional folklore concert from the magical Tumen Ekh ensemble. Farewell Dinner in a nice local restaurant.
Accommodation: Tent camping, B+L+D, 4-5 hour drive

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Day 14: Departure from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

End your tour with an included transfer to the airport or train station after breakfast.
Accommodation: B

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About us

Our company was founded by passionate locals with decades of experience travelling Mongolia. As professional conservationists, we’ve spent our whole lives exploring the country’s best destinations, searching for extraordinary routes to share with our guests with a focus on sustainable tourism. Come fall in love with Mongolia with us!